Endocrine Abstracts

The Best Practice Tariff standards for paediatric diabetes state that each patient must have an annual assessment of their emotional health related to their diabetes. The assessment determines whether input to their care by a clinical psychologist is required and if so, they should have timely access to this or, as appropriate, children and young people’s mental health services. Locally a Systemic Psychotherapist (Family Therapist) rather than a clinical psychologist undertakes this role. We decided to look at the utility of family therapy, and it’s effectiveness in delivering therapeutic intervention for children and young people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. The presentation will aim to provide a paradigm of theoretical concepts and techniques underpinning family therapy. This will be achieved by selecting one aspect of family therapy, notably Narrative Concepts, which will be demonstrated using a 5 minute video clip of a family therapy session. The primary emphasis is to invite the participants to focus on the interactions in the here_ and_ now and see how past experiences can have a profound effect on the present. It also explores the link between the present and past. Research is embedded in the continuous development of family therapy. I will, therefore, conclude by offering material on current research studies which are evaluating the efficacy of this service.